Upgrade project uncovers slice of history

As part of the ongoing Coast Highway 101 improvement project, the property owner for 247 and 249 S. Coast Hwy. 101 removed the shingles under the existing signs and discovered the nearly 70-year-old signage for a previous business at the site. Photos courtesy of Carl Turnbull

SOLANA BEACH — A little bit of Solana Beach history has been revealed as the yearlong improvement project along Coast Highway 101 nears completion. While remodeling the building at 247 and 249 S. Coast Hwy. 101, the property owner removed some old shingles and discovered a sign for Town & Country Laundromat, offering a 15-pound wash for 25 cents.According to historians, the business dates back to the 1940s. Rumor has it sailors used the laundromat restroom as they traveled from Oceanside to San Diego.

The first part of the building at 247 S. Coast Hwy. 101 was built in the 1930s. Originally The Teddy Bear Restaurant — the word “sandwich” can be faintly seen on the stucco now — the north end of the property now houses Rancho Solana Pet Spa.

The other half of the property at 249 S. Coast Hwy. 101 was constructed about 10 years later.

Mailboxes Etc. moved into that site in October 1980. It was converted to The UPS Store in about 2004.

Carl Turnbull, property manager, said the laundromat sign is painted directly onto the concrete. He said the plan is to stucco over it to create a new sign for The UPS Store before June 1.